Eumir Marcial claims bronze after falling to Ukrainian foe in nail-biting Olympics boxing semis
Eumir Marcial is taking home the country’s third Olympic medal and first bronze after losing to Ukrainian opponent Oleksandr Khyzhniak during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics middleweight boxing semi-finals today, Aug. 5, held at the Kokugikan Arena.
Marical landed a series of combinations in the first round against Khyzhniak. Despite receiving a bloody head cut from the first round, Marcial came out with a slight advantage in the first round and second round, before losing via split decision.
The opposing sluggers of the same age serve as two of the world's most skilled Olympian middleweight boxers, as Khyzhniak has never lost a match since 2016.
The 25-year-old boxer from Zamboanga was assured of the bronze medal after knocking out Armenia’s Arman Darchinyan at the first round of their quarterfinal match with just 49 seconds left on the clock.
A day before his match, Eumir tweeted out that he’s getting ready for the next challenge.
“Bukas ulit mga kababayan,” he shared with the boxing emoji.
Bukas ulit mga kababayan ?
— Eumir Marcial (@MarcialEumir_) August 4, 2021
The Philippines now has four assured Olympic medals, following weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz's gold, boxer Nesthy Petecio’s silver, and an assured silver from Carlos Paalam.
Golfers Bianca Pagdanganan and Yuka Saso are still playing in their respective fields. The 4-medal win already assures the Tokyo Olympics as the Philippines' most successful Olympics campaign to date.
We're so proud of you, Eumir!
Photo from AFP